HC Deb 20 May 1895 vol 33 cc1594-5
MR. J. ROCHE (Galway, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been called to certain irregularities disclosed at a recent sworn inquiry held at Mount Bellen Workhouse respecting the alleged adulteration of necessaries supplied to the inmates of the Union hospital; (2) if the Local Government Board have taken any steps to remedy the state of things disclosed in the report of the Ladies' Visiting Committee, who declare the clothing of the women dirty and insufficient, and the blankets very old and thin; (3) if the Local Government Board will ascertain what has become of a supply of 100 blankets provided by the Guardians for the use of the inmates of the workhouse, and how many are now in store; (4) whether he is aware that the wife of the workhouse master acts as matron and his daughter as schoolmistress, and that four other grown-up members of the Master's family occupy apartments in the workhouse; and (5) will he direct full and careful inquiry to be instituted into the management of this workhouse in the interests of the inmates?

MR. JOHN MORLEY

An inquiry of the nature indicated in the first paragraph was recently held by the Local Government Board, and the Guardians have taken steps to prevent a recurrence of the irregularities complained of. (2) The Ladies' Visiting Committee made a report to the Guardians, as stated in the second paragraph, although they at the same time observed that the workhouse was clean. The Guardians having made no order on this report, the Local Government Board directed their attention to the matter, and the Guardians have since obtained a supply of new blankets and clothing materials. (3) The Board will inquire as to what has become of the 100 blankets referred to. It appears there are now over 200 pairs in store. (4) The facts are as stated in the fourth paragraph. The Guardians have expressed the opinion that no inconvenience would be caused by the Masters' family remaining in the workhouse. It is hoped that, as a result of the recent inquiry, the workhouse will be better managed in future. If further cause for complaint should arise the matter will be promptly inquired into.